Esteemed Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi artist Yamini Krishnamurthy, a true luminary in the realm of classical Indian dance, passed away on August 3 at the age of 83. She breathed her last at Apollo hospital in New Delhi, after battling age-related complications for an extensive period. Ganesh, her dedicated manager and secretary, confirmed her passing, noting that Ms. Krishnamurthy had been in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for the past seven months due to her ongoing health issues.
Her mortal remains will be transported to her renowned dance school, Yamini School of Dance, situated in Hauz Khas, at 9:00 AM on August 4. Specific arrangements for her final rites are yet to be announced, marking a significant moment of grief for her followers and students. Ms. Krishnamurthy leaves behind two sisters who mourn her loss alongside countless admirers and well-wishers.
Born on December 20, 1940, in Madanapalli in Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district, Yamini Krishnamurthy was destined for greatness from a young age. Her father, M. Krishnamurti, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, undoubtedly influenced her scholarly approach to dance. She commenced her dance journey at merely five years old, training at the prestigious Kalakshetra School of Dance in Chennai under the guidance of the legendary Bharatanatyam dancer Rukmini Devi Arundale. Not confining herself to Bharatanatyam alone, Ms. Krishnamurthy also mastered Kuchipudi, further enriching her virtuosity by learning the intricacies of Odissi from maestros like Pankaj Charan Das and Kelucharan Mohapatra.
Ms. Krishnamurthy’s artistic journey is a testament to her relentless pursuit of excellence. In addition to her dance training, she was well-versed in Carnatic vocal music and adept at playing the veena, showcasing her multi-faceted talent. Her illustrious career brought her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri at the age of 28 in 1968, the Padma Bhushan in 2001, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2016. Further cementing her legacy, she received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1977, highlighting her indelible impact on Indian classical dance.
Reflecting on her monumental contributions to Bharatanatyam, veteran dancer and one of her first students, Rama Vaidyanathan, expressed profound admiration. She emphasized that Ms. Krishnamurthy brought “power, beauty, and glamour” to the dance form. Vaidyanathan lamented that Bharatanatyam would never be the same without her, recalling the intense focus and dedication her teacher displayed. “She added the star quality to the dance form,” Vaidyanathan stated with a mix of reverence and nostalgia.
Vaidyanathan reminisced about a particular train journey where she observed Ms.
. Krishnamurthy’s unyielding dedication. In the quiet hours of the night, as others slept, Krishnamurthy sat in darkness, immersed in composing a dance piece. This vivid memory encapsulates her tireless devotion to her craft.
The outpouring of grief extended across social media platforms. Former Rajya Sabha MP and fellow Bharatanatyam dancer, Sonal Mansingh, poignantly remembered Ms. Krishnamurthy as a meteor blazing across the firmament of Indian dance art. “She blazed like a meteor across the sky, the firmament of the Indian dance art. She was my senior. We all looked up to her,” Mansingh remarked, sharing her heartfelt condolences on a microblogging platform.
Political dignitaries such as Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed their deep sorrow. In a statement from Hyderabad, Dattatreya reflected on Krishnamurthy’s contributions to the classical dance world and offered prayers for her soul’s peace. Naidu reminisced about her role as the ‘asthana narthaki’ (resident dancer) of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), highlighting her efforts to elevate Kuchipudi on global stages.
Reddy, echoing similar sentiments, conveyed his heartfelt tributes and support for her family during these challenging times. Celebrated Kuchipudi duo, Raja and Radha Reddy, expressed their belief that Ms. Krishnamurthy had attained moksham (liberation) at the feet of Nataraja, the cosmic dancer.
Renowned Bharatanatyam artist Jayalakshmi Eshwar praised Ms. Krishnamurthy for bringing global recognition to the dance form, particularly in the northern parts of India. Eshwar fondly remembered her interactions with her senior at Kalakshetra and the invaluable confidence Krishnamurthy instilled in her by inviting her to practice sessions.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, from its official social media handle, mourned the loss of one of its most esteemed Fellows. “Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved ones and prayers to the Almighty to give them enough strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the Akademi stated, acknowledging a significant void left in the world of classical dance.
Yamini Krishnamurthy’s passing signifies the end of an era. Her unparalleled dedication, infectious passion, and substantial contributions to Indian classical dance will forever illuminate the path for future generations of artists, ensuring that her legacy endures.
